Nearly twenty years ago, Argentine attorney Maria Marta Calderon arrived in South Florida with a dream to practice law in the United States. After graduating with highest honors from the University of Miami (UM) School of Law and gaining experience at top firms on the Am Law 200 list, she founded Calderon Law Firm. Now a trusted advisor to developers and Family Offices, Calderon shares critical insights for Latin American investors in an exclusive interview.
Calderon identifies the most severe mistake Hispanic entrepreneurs make: assuming U.S. real estate rules mirror those in their home countries. "They often rely solely on what a friend, a real estate agent, or a title company tells them—none of whom are specialized attorneys in U.S. foreign investment," she says. A poor decision can trigger legal liabilities, tax exposure, or complications with FIRPTA. "We do not view a real estate purchase as a mere transaction, but rather as an asset protection strategy."
Purchasing property under a personal name is particularly hazardous for foreign nationals, according to Calderon. It can trigger federal estate tax for non-resident aliens, force ancillary probate, and create direct personal exposure to lawsuits. "A well-designed corporate or fiduciary structure can limit liability, safeguard assets, facilitate family succession, and create long-term tax efficiencies," she explains. Proper structuring from day one is key to building generational wealth.
In commercial real estate, Calderon sees opportunities in mixed-use developments, logistics centers, multifamily housing, flexible office spaces, data centers, and tech-driven projects. Each niche requires complex due diligence. "Analyzing a multifamily property is completely different from analyzing a logistics center, where zoning codes, access routes, and environmental impact carry massive weight," she notes. Ironclad contracts and appropriate legal structures are essential to mitigate risks and avoid expensive litigation.
As a former Director of the Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, Calderon bridges the gap between Civil Law systems common in Latin America and the U.S. Common Law system. "Not only are the laws completely different, but the entire way of thinking about business, interpreting risk, and negotiating also changes," she says. Her experience helps clients navigate both worlds, capitalizing on the legal certainty and stability the American system offers.
Calderon's golden advice: "Surround yourself with excellent advisors, and never sign anything out of pressure, haste, or without understanding it 100%." U.S. contracts are powerful, and judges hold parties to their agreements. She warns that many clients come to her after signing problematic contracts, leading to financial losses or costly litigation. "My goal is always for the client to win," she concludes.
